The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report process of the hydroelectric power plant (HES) project planned to be built in Uzungöl, the world-famous tourism center of Trabzon, did not remain indifferent to the long-standing objections of the local people. In line with the negative views of the Trabzon Metropolitan Municipality and the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources towards the project, the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change made an important decision and terminated the EIA process.
Clear “No” from the Ministry of Metropolitan Municipality and Energy
The idea of a hydroelectric power plant project, which first came to the agenda in Uzungöl in 2008 and has been a subject of debate for 17 years, was met with intense reactions from local people and environmentalists. During the preparation process of the EIA report required for the implementation of the project, the General Directorate of Environmental Impact Assessment, Permit and Inspection within the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change requested an official opinion from the Trabzon Metropolitan Municipality.
Trabzon Metropolitan Municipality stated that the construction of a hydroelectric power plant in Uzungöl would clearly violate the provision of the law, which states, “To ensure the protection of the environment, agricultural areas and water basins in accordance with the principle of sustainable development” and gave a negative opinion on the project. Similarly, the General Directorate of Energy Affairs of the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources made an assessment saying, “We do not find it appropriate”, considering the negative environmental impacts that the project will create in Uzungöl and its surroundings. As a result of the negative opinions of these two important institutions, the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change finally terminated the EIA process of the hydroelectric power plant project. This decision means that a hydroelectric power plant cannot be built in Uzungöl.
Thank You Message from President Genç
The Mayor of Trabzon Metropolitan Municipality Ahmet Metin Genç, who welcomed the decision taken by the ministry with great satisfaction, made the following statement on the subject: “I had previously stated our sensitivity regarding our beloved Uzungöl by saying ‘Another HEPP can be found, but another Uzungöl cannot be found’. We are not in favor of the victimization of investors. Of course, other suitable places for HEPPs can be found, but this special project would negatively affect not only the unique natural beauty of Uzungöl, but also the rich natural life in the Solaklı Valley. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, which expressed a negative opinion during this process, to the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, which took into account our sensitivity and made this decision that makes us all happy for the future of Uzungöl, and to all our citizens whose hearts beat for Uzungöl.” This decision is considered an important gain in terms of protecting the natural beauties of Uzungöl.
